We are delighted to welcome these very experienced “foodies” to our Food and Beverage team.
Calvin Makamba ( Food & Beverages Manager)
Calvin (33) who joined the Ilala team at the end of June was born and educated in Rusape. He holds a first-class degree in Hospitality Management and several professional qualifications attained in an 8-year span in the United Arab Emirates. His career experience in Zimbabwe has included management roles at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and Meikles Hotel, while international experience has been gained at Emirates Leisure Retail, Premier Inn Hotels, and Vida Hotel in UAE as well as Al Gasser Resorts in Qatar. As the new Food and Beverage Manager, he is tasked with enforcing the standards and overall management of the Food and Beverage team
Calvin believes that “This is an exciting time for Victoria Falls and for Ilala Lodge in particular, with recent growth patterns emerging in business and leisure travel and with the hoped-for expansion of business activities that will lead to many opportunities. It is my intention to lead a team that ensures that the reputation for excellence that Ilala Lodge holds is enhanced in all aspects of service operations. Travellers staying at our hotel expect the finest of international standards and this is what we can and must deliver, first time and every time.”
Takudzwa Mavengere (Palm Restaurant Manager)
Takudzwa, known by his nickname of TK, has a Diploma in Hotel Management and 6 yearsโ experience in food and beverage operations. He is passionate about the guest experience and service delivery. He moved to Victoria Falls to join the Ilala Lodge Hotel team and loves living here because of, “the weather, the people, and it may be the only place in the world where traffic halts for a family of warthogs crossing the road!”
Keith Chinaka – (Assistant Restaurant & Bar Manager)
Keith is a well-rounded hospitality professional who has been a chef at Amanzi Restaurant, the manager at Gordonโs B&B, Assistant Manager at Inn on Rupurara, Assistant Manager at Inn on the Vumba, Assistant Camp Manager at Matetsi River Lodge, and Receptionist at Holiday Inn Mutare. He joined the Ilala Lodge Hotel team as Head Receptionist in May 2018 and has now moved to the Food and Beverage team.
